Day 41 of 175 – CRAIG

Those of you who are familiar with Craig Sager’s work on NBA on TNT know the impact he had on the league, the network and sports reporting in general.

Craig Sager died today from his long battle with Leukemia. He was 65-years-old.

The picture of Sager and me was taken in March at RODEOHOUSTON. Here is the story:

We were broadcasting before the gates opened and I see that sweater walking my way. My first thought was, “man, it takes some serious stones to wear that sweater to Rodeo.”

Then I realize that guy is walking straight towards me. As he gets closer and closer, he looks more and more familiar to me.

He approaches me:

Sager: Excuse me.

Me: Yes?

Sager: I was by your radio station booth yesterday and I was able to get a ticket for the show as you had an extra one. I was wondering if you might have an extra ticket that nobody is using for today’s concert?

Me: It’s possible. Are you looking for a premium seat though because I can’t guarantee that.

Sager: No, just something that gets me inside.

I check our broadcast booth and found a pair of waaaay up there seats that someone had traded for closer seats.

Me: I’ve got a pair in the rafters.

Sager: I only need one.

I hand him the ticket.

Me: Sir, you look really familiar to me. Is it possible that I might have seen you somewhere before?

Sager: Do you watch basketball?

The light goes off in my head

Me: Holy cow! Are you Craig Sager?

Sager: Yes, I am.

He was in town that weekend for his chemo treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center. We had a short chat about his work, his clothing and his health.

Before he departed, our engineer, Andy Hudack took our picture together and I told Craig I’d be praying for him.

Sager: “Thank you. My doctors say I likely need a miracle. I’m just trying to win one more time.”

Turner Broadcasting President David Levy summed up Craig Sager perfectly, saying, “While he will be remembered fondly for this colorful attire and the TNT sideline interviews he conducted with NBA coaches and players, it’s the determination, grace and will to live he displayed during his battle with cancer that will be his lasting impact.”

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Snowdrop Foundation is dedicated to assisting patients and families at Texas Children’s Cancer Center through funding for continued research to eliminate childhood cancer and scholarships for college bound pediatric cancer patients and survivors. [Read More...]